We are very sad to learn of your mom's passing.  We have nothing but fond memories of her.  She truly was a gift to Sandra, Stacie and Shelby and they are all the better for having her in their lives.  Michelle, your words spoke beautifully about her and your family.  I, many years ago, witnessed the love she had for her children.  May Lorrie rest forever in God's merciful and gentle hands.

EDITED for not showing up 3/2/14

If you've had the pleasure of meeting my Mom, Lorrie, then no doubt you know what a beautiful heart she had.  You may have been lucky enough to hear her interesting journey, or maybe you haven't, which is why I'd like to share a brief  history.
Lorrie was somewhere in the middle of 13 children. She was given the name Helen at birth. When she was six years old, her mother died in childbirth and the next day her biological father walked all kids to the orphanage in Detroit and there she stayed for 5 years.  Her younger siblings were adopted off quickly, her older siblings were left to  make it on their own. 
 Lorrie' s memories of the orphanage are of her being mischievous, then getting punished for her behavior by getting her hair cut off and and also losing her privilege of the weekend movie
house outing.  Of the time she spent in the orphanage, she was only to see one movie.  She was adopted out twice, only to  be returned because of her stubbornness.  Back then, many
people adopted older children to help out on farms and such.  and my mother's spirit was far too rambunctious  for some.  Finally, at age 11, she found her fit with Leo and Ella Szpytek.  A couple who couldn't have their own children and decided to adopt.  When Mom and my grandfather's eyes first met, there was a spark that was present from then on out.  Mom adored him.  Ella and Leo asked Mom what name she would like to have and she chose
Lorraine.  Katherine was her middle name and it was the same as her adoptive mom, Ella.  Leo was a Detroit Policeman and a man of faith, who nurtured and encourage my mom's curiosity and this
was the beginning of her life long relationship with our Lord.  My Mom has never faltered in her faith and of all her good traits, faith was indeed, her strongest one.  And she would need it throughout her life.  It helped her deal with the sadness of life in an orphanage and it helped her with everything life would throw her way. 
Now, in a stable and loving home, my mom flourished.  She was involved with the church, attended Denby High School, graduated 6 months earlier than planned. She learned to play piano, loved to sing and dance, and was in several theatrical musicals.  After graduation, she worked at Detroit Edison and taught Sunday School .  She also enjoyed many pen pals from overseas. during and after the war.  Her dream, though, was to be married and start her own family. 
Lorrie met my father at church.  They were married, and soon discovered they would not be blessed with their own children.  After many tests, it was determined she wasn't able to conceive.  This did not discourage my Mom and she immediately sought out adoption. 
First up, my sister Debbie, 2 years later came Sanford.  After 2 more years, she decided the house wasn't big enough with only 2 bedrooms if she was going to adopt more kids, so my mom and Dad moved to St Clair Shores, (where my mother would remain until her death), Then, along came Scott.  3 years later, I arrived.  
Unfortunately, my Father didn't share her passion and after 25 years of marriage, they were divorced.  My mom was now a single mother, unemployed and determined to survive and give her kids a stable home.
Around the same time, my Grandfather got sick, so she was even more alone.   Eventually, she had my grandfather move in with us and cared for him until the end.  Her devotion and care is a stellar example of her love and selflessness that I would see throughout  her life.
Her passion was children.  Our house was the hangout house and she was always welcoming.  On a trip to Frankenmuth, my mom got a wooden paddle *(yep to spank, but she wasn't very good at it.)  She would tell you when you were going to be spanked and I soon learned from my brothers that I had time to "pad" my butt before the punishment.  She knew it.  However, I made the mistake of laughing and got a harder wop then expected, so we learned not to do that. The wooden paddle had a place on the back of it to write the names of the the recipients. Neighborhood kids would beg to be "spanked" and practically stood in line, just to get their name on it!!  Mom happily, yet very gently, obliged. 
Our friends flocked to her because she was so eager to listen, easy to talk to and offer her advice and support.  In fact, I sometimes would get jealous when it seemed my friends hung out more with my mom than me.  Not knowing it then, but realizing it now, she instinctively knew who was struggling and would give her attention to them. 
After my brothers, sister and I were older, Lorrie opened a home daycare and was still doing it well into her 70's.  She has had a hand in raising so many kids that I couldn't begin to count or name them all.  She would be able to tell you, though, for each one was special to her.  You could always find Lorrie taking walks around the neighborhood, with 5 or 6 kids and a dog or two in tow.  It was quite a sight to see!
I have never seen her so happy and proud of me than when I told her she was going to be a grandmother.  She was the first to be in the labor room to see her first grandbaby, Emily Lorraine, being born.  She wasn't supposed to be in the room, I was having a hard time, but she couldn't help herself and being Lorrie, she barged right in.  She said it was the most amazing thing she ever saw, the miracle of life, and so glad she saw it because she was unable to give birth.  Not long after, her first grandson, Jack Henry was born with the special gift of sharing her birth date. Of course, Mom played a huge part in my kids lives, always being my strength when overwhelmed.
Kid's were not Mom's only passion, running a close second, or maybe head to head, is her passion for animals.  We have always had at least 4, sometimes more.  My mom's pets lived very, very, long lives.  It was unbelievable.  Her dogs were always fed people food.  Usually that would entail , ground round, or my least favorite, eggs and hot dogs.  People would come over and say, hey, what are you cooking, it smells great.  She would say, oh, no, that's thedogs food.  I do believe at times, the dogs ate better than we did.

I could go on forever about my Mom and her awesomeness.  Those who knew her, were blessed.  She was generous to a fault, always giving more of herself and never expecting anything in return.  When life threw her a doozy, and she had many, she fought right back, never gave up on any person or thing.  Her love of life, people, animals and empathy for others was never ending.  Now, as an adult, I can see the struggles and obstacles she had to endure and I am amazed and in awe of her strength and never wavering faith .  I can only hope that I can be half as strong as she.  I used to feel sad about everything my mom had to go through alone, and it wasn't until recently that I realized, she was never alone.  Jesus was by her side all the way. That is what she would tell you. Her faith was her strength.

The Lord has decided it is time for her to rest.  Time for her to be loved and taken care of as she loved and cared for us.  Until we meet again, I will carry her love and light in my heart and try my best to be like her, so that she knows her never ending efforts to guide me have indeed, not gone unnoticed, and I am stronger for it.  
So, Mom, because I could never begin to say it enough, thank you for being the you that you were to me. Thank you for your patience, your love, faith and guidance, showing me how important forgiveness is, to never give up and how to always have a sense of humor.  You are truly my hero and an inspiration.   I love you more than  you could ever have known here on earth, but I am confident you see it now.  You will shine on through me and everyone you've
touched. 
Dance on, Mom, the time has finally come for YOU!!

My prayers are with you all! This is a difficult time, especially for family but all who love Lorraine! May the peace of knowing that she rests in the peace of the Lord's arms ease the heaviness of all the hearts of Lorraine's loved family & friends. Always here for you!

Our prayers are with you at this time, may all of you find comfort and peace when your ready, Mrs Howell I hope you enter the golden gates with a smile on your face and with everlasting light , Rest in Comfort sweet lady<3

Lorrie was a great friend who listened & answered questions. She was our babysitter when my kids were younger. (They are all grown up now) Just a great person to know & have in our lives.

My heart truly goes out to Debbie, Sanford, Scott and especially Michelle who took such great care of Lorrie during her time of need. I hope you can find comfort in knowing that she is so proud of you.
I've known your mom for most of my life and the memories are endless. Your memories will keep her alive in your hearts forever.

so sorry......sending prayers to family snd friends.....

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

OBITUARIO

Lorraine K. Howell

2 septiembre, 1929 – 25 febrero, 2014

Kaul Funeral Home

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